High-Tech and Deep-Tech Ventures
Accelerated
Become part of our Venture Accelerator and a unique platform for exchange and networking between start-ups, industry, investors, and science
The venture accelerator for high-tech and deep-tech start-ups as well as start-up projects from science and business with a focus on:
- New Materials
- Nanotechnology
- Microsystems Technology
- Nano- and Microelectronics
- Optical Technology
- Quantum Technology
- Manufacturing & Process Engineering
- Energy & Environmental Technology
- Medical Technology & Healthcare
Mission
High-tech start-ups face very special challenges and at the same time play a key role in the sustainable development of the NRW economic region and entire industries. We help founders on their journey to future innovations in capital-intensive and highly complex high- and deep-tech fields.
The three pillars for the success of early-stage technology developments
HIGH-TECH.NRW is a venture platform and offers a customized 12-week accelerator program for high-tech and deep-tech start-ups. The program provides networking with investors, industry, and politics, and active further development from a technology to a sustainable business model.
Business Case Validation
Technologies are not an end in themselves. They are meant to help us solve problems and make our lives easier. Therefore, identifying a resilient business concept is particularly important.
Investment & Technology Readiness
In addition to the actual application of the technologies, factors relevant to risk management play a decisive role in the future due diligence of investors and partners.
Positioning &
Scaling
Especially in highly complex developments, the right positioning and communication are the foundation for technological and entrepreneurial success.
Network effects for the NRW ecosystem
Start-ups as well as entrepreneurial spirit in key industrial technologies are the basis for a strong, climate-friendly and resource-efficient industry and thus a central and strategic factor for our innovation and business location.
Network partners in business and industry
HIGH-TECH.NRW networks medium-sized companies, hidden champions, and specialized technology companies with start-ups and innovation drivers across technologies and sectors.
Become partner now
and help shape the technological future!
We are looking for the best high-tech and deep-tech teams from NRW
The program is individually tailored to the needs of the founders:
We coach and network for strong visibility, helping you find your first customers and investors.
Teams with the following characteristics are especially in demand:
- Hardware-based business ideas in above-mentioned areas
- High-tech start-ups with disruptive potentials
- Technologies with strong B2B verticals and/or positive SDG effects
Female Founder Teams are highly welcome!
Start your application ๐
No Equity. No charge. No on-site presence required. Just the right contacts at the right time.
What start-ups say about HIGH-TECH.NRW
The HIGH-TECH.NRW program is recommendable, especially due to the commitment of the team and the individual support you receive there. By focusing on hardware startups and at the same time being open to the industry, a broad network of startups is created there in which people can openly exchange ideas at eye level while at the same time receiving help from established industry experts.
Dr.-Ing. Friederike Kogelheide, GLIM Skin, Batch #1
I see the good organization and clear structure as a particular strength of this accelerator. You are really “looked after” here. What’s fascinating about this program is the diversity of the participating start-ups, so you have a very broad view of the technology newcomers in NRW. The network is also one of the main arguments in favor of the program: precisely because the focus is cross-industry, there is no competition and you can learn a lot from each other and get new input.
Patrick Bongartz, Batch #1, 2nd place
The team behind HIGH-TECH.NRW consists of real experts who understand the deep-tech world and create an excellent breeding ground for real technological innovations in NRW. To all the tech start-ups out there – if you have a deep-tech orientation, HIGH-TECH.NRW is a MUST.
Dr. -Ing. Dennis Michaelis, GEMESYS Technologies, Batch #1, 3rd place
The HIGH-TECH.NRW Program was a perfect combination of mentoring sessions and in-person activities. All high level, both participating companies, mentors and the coordination team. Certainly a helpful program.
Dr. Dรฉbora Moretti, LiveSen, Batch #1
The combination of real start-up experience, broad network, and, above all, the will and willingness to support the participating start-ups at any time (even on Sundays!!) and seriously push them forward makes this program so valuable.
Boris Mayer, Innovative Robot Delivery, Batch #1, 1st place
The Accelerator allows us to make many interesting contacts and has given us another push in evaluating our business model!
Nicolai Walter, Pixel Photonics, Start-up 2020
Another unique feature of HIGH-TECH.NRW is that the mentors include industry experts with whom one can discuss very specific prospects and sales markets for one’s own technology.
Dr. David Dung, Midel Photonics, Start-up 2020, 3rd place
For House of Plasma, the program was a great success. We were able to consult on many strategic issues and adjust our own planning. This includes, for example, business planning including market entry strategies and the financing concept.
Dr. Moritz Oberberg, House of Plasma, Start-up 2020
Through our participation in HIGH-TECH.NRW, we have been able to expand our network to include mentors, coaches and partners from industry, finance and science, and acquire our first customers.
Alexander Igelmann, Lidrotec, Start-up 2020, 1st place
